Talks and activities lined up for adoption workshop

Merton’s adoption team will be present at a workshop in Brixton Library this Saturday 3 May to encourage people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds to adopt.

The free event organised by the Afrikan Family Works runs from 2pm – 6pm and will feature talks from social workers, carers and author, Alex Wheatle (writer of Brixton Rock and East of Acre Lane) who will talk about his experience growing up in care. He will also host a creative writing workshop. Tea and coffee will be available for visitors.

Merton’s director of children, schools and families Yvette Stanley said: “Nationally there are 15,000 children waiting to be adopted and often children from black and ethnic minority backgrounds face the longest wait.

“We need more adopters including adopters from BME backgrounds to cut the waiting time for all our children and workshops like this are a good opportunity to meet people who want to provide care. Visitors who are thinking of adopting will be able to get advice from knowledgeable staff and have any questions they may have answered.”